Let's have some fun: Ewan - Bay - Style!

Rating: 7/10 (30 August 2007)

Ewan McGregor is a terribly good actor. Not just because of the range and depth of his characters but because he has a sound professional mind that seeks out compelling, totally different projects. For some reason, he is the only blockbuster actor who seems to be allowed to do this. At first glance, The Island is the same as any other Michael Bay film (that is to say, the same as any summer Hollywood blockbuster). The script is by no means unpredictable (possibly because entire pages are borrowed from much loved classics and sleeper hits alike) and the action by no means a small portion, nor un-violent.
But let's face it, we see Bay's name and expect this. And going in with this expectation you are pleasantly surprised. Yes the storyline is so chunky there could be adverts between set pieces, but this is perfect for pausing to get another beer! Yes Scarlett looks good and says nothing worth hearing, but why else did we buy this DVD? And yes, the action is so manic and ludicrous we are left gormless-ly appreciating big explosions without considering they may have caused innocent deaths of minor characters but hey, it's just a film and, damn, those explosions are big.
Its fun, and yes at the end maybe a part of your brain is considering the work of a very naughty Merrick (captain fabulous Sean Bean) and how we would rather a maniac like that never get a chance to allow life to imitate art. But mostly we are remembering the explosions and motorbikes.
Once you've looked past Scarlett's tight tops and cringed at the frankly HILARIOUS product placement we see some beautiful scenery and very nice production design.
And the actors. Well yes, most phone it in and the characters are very stock but look at the list: Bean, McGregor, Steve Buscemi, Djimon Hounsou. These people are at most peoples best when their work is its worst. You can't help but watch them and be entertained.
You can all watch it, no matter what age or relation. Just sit back, watch, laugh, (cry perhaps?) and think. Though not too much.
If films were a delightful English Buffet, with Schindler's List a beautifully elegant cream scone at one end and the GodFather films a selection of teas at the other, The Island would still be a super-massive explosive inferno sending shards of the Bone China scattering into the faces of the guests. Enjoy!